Remember the Audi RS Q e-tron? The rally monster that won its first desert rally in Abu Dhabi back in March 2022 and had a very impressive debut at Dakar 2022 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia though it was hampered by a series of mechanical problems and incidents.
Now, Audi will return to Dakar 2023 to make a bigger mark with this - the RS Q e-tron E2. This is basically the Q e-tron turned up to 11. The ‘E2’ suffix in the name pays homage to the second-generation versions of the 1980s Group B Audi Quattro.
The hybrid system of the e-tron E2 is very innovative as the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine - that comes from the German brand’s DTM touring car racer - simply assists the 52kWh liquid-cooled battery to generate energy and power this super cool rally car over the challenging dunes.
In terms of exterior upgrades, it gets a redesigned front and rear hood and completely new bodywork on which Audi worked to reduce the fabric layers of the composite body to reduce weight.
All the changes to the bodywork have been made with better aero in mind as the reworked body gives the e-tron E2 15 per cent better aerodynamics than before which will in turn help in improving the efficiency of the battery.
At 4670mm long, 2300mm high and 1950mm wide, the e-tron E2 is 170mm longer than its predecessor. Improvements have been made to the cabin as well to assist the driver with a larger cockpit sporting a new rotary switch giving access to four groups of controls.
In truth, the e-tron E2 is a brand new rally beast with not much in common with the e-tron. Something that was further cemented by Axel Löffler, Chief Designer of the RS Q e-tron, when he said: “The Audi RS Q e-tron E2 does not take a single body part from its predecessor.” While commenting about all the aero improvements, he also stated that “aerodynamic aspect should not be underestimated in desert rallying.”
The Audi Sport team will start their preparations for the 2023 Dakar Rally this month in Morocco.
